U.S. patent number 8,714,430 [Application Number 12/953,603] was granted by the patent office on 2014-05-06 for indicator for surgical stapler.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Covidien LP. The grantee listed for this patent is Anandram Natarajan, Srinivasan Selvaraj. Invention is credited to Anandram Natarajan, Srinivasan Selvaraj.
United States Patent |
8,714,430 |
Natarajan , et al. |
May 6, 2014 |
Indicator for surgical stapler
Abstract
A surgical stapler for visually indicating to a user the stage
of operation of the stapler. The surgical stapler includes a body,
a stapling assembly positioned on a distal end of the body
including a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly, and a thrust
bar slidably disposed within the body. The thrust bar is configured
to advance distally from a retracted position to a first advanced
position during approximation of the cartridge assembly towards the
anvil assembly and advance further to a second advanced position to
cause the release of staples from the cartridge assembly. An
indicator member is connected to the thrust bar and configured to
provide visual indication to a user upon complete approximation of
the cartridge assembly and upon release of staples from the
cartridge assembly.
Inventors: |
Natarajan; Anandram
(Chennai-Tamil Nadu, IN), Selvaraj; Srinivasan
(Chennai-Tamil Nadu, IN) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Natarajan; Anandram
Selvaraj; Srinivasan |
Chennai-Tamil Nadu
Chennai-Tamil Nadu |
N/A
N/A |
IN
IN |
|
|
Assignee: |
Covidien LP (Mansfield,
MA)
|
Family
ID: |
44041516 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/953,603 |
Filed: |
November 24, 2010 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20110155782 A1 |
Jun 30, 2011 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61291453 |
Dec 31, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
227/176.1;
227/175.1; 227/120; 227/19; 606/219 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
17/068 (20130101); A61B 17/072 (20130101); A61B
2090/0811 (20160201); A61B 2017/07214 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
17/068 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;227/176.1,120,19,175.1
;606/219 |
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Primary Examiner: Lopez; Michelle
Parent Case Text
This application claims priority from provisional application Ser.
No. 61/291,453, filed Dec. 31, 2009, the entire contents of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A surgical stapler comprising: a body; a stapling assembly
positioned on a distal portion of the body, the stapling assembly
including a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly; a thrust bar
slidably disposed within the body and configured to advance
distally from a retracted position to a first advanced position
during approximation of the cartridge assembly towards the anvil
assembly and advance further to a second advanced position to cause
the release of staples from the cartridge assembly; and at least
one indicator member connected to the thrust bar and configured to
provide visual indication to a user upon complete approximation of
the cartridge assembly and upon release of staples from the
cartridge assembly, wherein the at least one indicator member
includes a base and a pair of extensions extending from the base,
the extensions including a visual indicator to provide the visual
indication to the user, wherein the extensions extend laterally
beyond the thrust bar.
2. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein a distal end of the
thrust bar is configured for operable engagement with the stapling
assembly to cause the ejection of staples from the cartridge
assembly during the release of staples from the cartridge
assembly.
3. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the body includes at
least one window for viewing the indicator member.
4. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the indicator member is
further configured to indicate that the cartridge assembly is ready
to be approximated towards the anvil assembly.
5. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the indicator member is
slidably mounted within the body.
6. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the indicator member is
rotatably mounted within the body.
7. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the indicator member
includes a first symbol to indicate completion of the approximation
stroke and a second symbol to indicate the release of staples from
the cartridge assembly.
8. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the indicator member is
rotatably mounted with respect to the thrust bar.
9. The surgical stapler of claim 8, further comprising a rack
operably connected to the thrust bar and having a pair of toothed
extensions, the toothed extensions being operably engaged with the
indicator member and advancement of the thrust bar causes rotation
of the indicator member.
10. The surgical stapler of claim 9, wherein the rack extends from
a base positioned distal of the indicator member, the base being
mounted to the thrust bar.
11. The surgical stapler of claim 9, wherein the rack extends from
a base positioned distal of the indicator member, the base being
mounted to the thrust bar.
12. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the indicator member
is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of the thrust bar.
13. A surgical stapler comprising; a body; a stapling assembly
positioned on a distal portion of the body, the stapling assembly
including a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly; a thrust bar
slidably disposed within the body and configured to advance
distally from a retracted position to a first advanced position; an
indicator member including a first symbol configured to provide
visual indication to a user upon complete approximation of the
cartridge assembly towards the anvil assembly and a second symbol
configured to provide visual indication to the user upon release of
staples from the cartridge assembly; and a rack operably connected
to the thrust bar and having a toothed extension, the toothed
extension being operably engaged with the indicator member, wherein
advancement of the thrust bar causes rotation of the indicator
member.
14. The surgical stapler of claim 13, wherein the indicator member
is further configured to indicate the stapler is ready to be
approximated.
15. The surgical stapler of claim 13, wherein the indicator member
is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of
the thrust bar.
16. The surgical stapler of claim 13, wherein the body defines a
window configured to permit viewing of the first symbol on the
indicator member upon complete approximation of the cartridge
assembly and to permit viewing of the second symbol upon release of
staples from the cartridge assembly.
17. The surgical stapler of claim 13, wherein the body defines a
window configured for individual viewing of the first symbol and
the second symbol.
18. The surgical stapler of claim 13, wherein only one of the first
symbol and the second symbol is viewable through a window defined
by the body at one time.
19. A surgical stapler comprising: a body; a stapling assembly
positioned on a distal portion of the body, the stapling assembly
including a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly; a thrust bar
slidably disposed within the body and configured to advance
distally from a retracted position to a first advanced position
during approximation of the cartridge assembly towards the anvil
assembly and advance further to a second advanced position to cause
the release of staples from the cartridge assembly; an indicator
member connected to the thrust bar, the indicator member including
a first symbol configured to provide visual indication to a user
upon complete approximation of the cartridge assembly and a second
symbol configured to provide visual indication to the user upon
release of staples from the cartridge assembly, wherein the
indicator member is rotatably mounted with respect to the thrust
bar; and a rack operably connected to the thrust bar and having a
toothed extension, the toothed extension being operably engaged
with the indicator member, wherein advancement of the thrust bar
causes rotation of the indicator member.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates generally to a surgical stapling
apparatus and, more specifically, to a surgical stapling apparatus
having a mechanism for indicating to a surgeon the condition of the
stapler.
2. Background of Related Art
Surgical stapling instruments used for applying parallel rows of
staples through compressed living tissue are well known in the art,
and are commonly used, for example, for closure of tissue or organs
prior to trans-section, prior to resection, or in anastomoses, and
for occlusion of organs in thoracic and abdominal procedures.
Typically, such surgical stapling instruments include an anvil
assembly, a cartridge assembly for supporting an array of surgical
staples, an approximation mechanism for approximating the anvil and
cartridge assemblies, an alignment pin assembly for capturing
tissue between the cartridge and anvil assemblies and for
maintaining alignment between the cartridge and anvil assemblies
during approximation and firing, and a firing mechanism for
ejecting the surgical staples from the cartridge assembly. The
approximation mechanism and the firing mechanism generally include
distinct actuators for effecting approximation and firing of the
staples.
A continuing need exists for a surgical stapling instrument which
provides a clinician with visual indication of the stage of
actuation of the surgical stapler.
SUMMARY
A surgical stapler configured for visually indicating to a user the
stage of operation of the stapler is provided. In one aspect, the
surgical stapler includes a body, a stapling assembly positioned on
a distal portion of the body and including a cartridge assembly and
an anvil assembly. A thrust bar is slidably disposed within the
body and configured to advance distally from a retracted position
to a first advanced position during approximation of the cartridge
assembly towards the anvil assembly and advance further to a second
advanced position to cause the release of staples from the
cartridge assembly. An indicator member is connected to the thrust
bar and configured to provide visual indication to a user upon
complete approximation of the cartridge assembly and upon release
of staples from the cartridge assembly.
In one embodiment, the distal end of the thrust bar may be
configured for operable engagement with the stapling assembly to
cause the ejection of staples from the cartridge assembly during
the release of staples from the cartridge assembly. The body can
include at least one window for viewing the indicator member. The
indicator member may further be configured to indicate the stapler
is ready to be approximated. In some embodiments, the indicator
member is slidably mounted within the body. In other embodiments,
the indicator member is rotatably mounted within the body. The
indicator member may include a first symbol to indicate completion
of the approximation stroke and a second symbol to indicate the
release of staples from the cartridge assembly.
In one embodiment, the indicator member is rotatably mounted to the
thrust bar. In some embodiments, the body may include a rack
operably connected to the thrust bar. The rack may include a base,
a pair of link members and a pair of toothed extensions operably
engaged with the indicator members. Advancement of the thrust bar
may cause rotation of the indicator member.
In one embodiment, an indicator member is slidable along with the
thrust bar.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a surgical
stapler comprising a body, a stapling assembly positioned on a
distal portion of the body and including a cartridge assembly and
an anvil assembly. A thrust bar is slidably disposed within the
body and configured to advance distally from a retracted position
to a first advanced position. An indicator member is configured to
provide visual indication to a user upon at least one of complete
approximation of the cartridge assembly and release of staples from
the cartridge assembly. A rack is operably connected to the thrust
bar and has a pair of toothed extensions, the toothed extensions
being operably engaged with the indicator member and advancement of
the thrust bar causes rotation of the indicator member.
In some embodiments, the indicator member is rotatable about an
axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the thrust bar. In
some embodiments, the indicator member includes a first symbol to
indicate complete approximation of the cartridge assembly and a
second symbol to indicate release of staples from the cartridge
assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical stapling apparatus
are described herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a surgical stapler
in accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the surgical stapler
of FIG. 1 showing the indicator mounted within the surgical
stapler;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the indicator of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1 in a
pre-clamped (unapproximated) condition and with an alignment pin
having been manually advanced;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG.
4, showing no symbol in the window;
FIG. 6 is a side view of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1 in a
clamped (approximated) condition;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG.
6 showing a clamp symbol;
FIG. 8 is a side view of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1 in a fired
condition;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG.
8 showing a stapled (fired) symbol;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of portion of the stapler of the
present disclosure of an alternate embodiment showing an alternate
indicator on a surgical stapler;
FIG. 11 is a side view of a surgical stapler including the
indicator mechanism of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a side view of an indicator member of the indicator
mechanism of FIG. 10;
FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG.
11 showing a pre-clamp symbol;
FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG.
11 showing a clamp symbol; and
FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG.
11 showing a stapled (fired) symbol.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical stapler will now be
described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like
reference numerals designate corresponding elements in each of the
several views. Throughout this description, the term "proximal"
will refer to the portion of the instrument closer to the operator
and the term "distal" will refer to the portion of the instrument
further from the operator.
With reference to FIG. 1, a surgical stapling device according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown generally as
surgical stapler 10. Surgical stapler 10 includes a body 12
defining a stationary handle 14, a pivotable trigger 16, an
elongated central body portion 18, a cartridge assembly 20 and an
anvil assembly 22. A thumb button 24 is slidably positioned on each
side of body 12. Thumb buttons 24 are movable distally to manually
advance an alignment pin 38 (FIG. 4) from alignment pin assembly 21
into engagement with anvil assembly 22 to capture tissue between
anvil assembly 22 and cartridge assembly 20. A release button 150
of a release mechanism (not shown) is positioned on the proximal
end of body 12 and is depressible to allow cartridge assembly 20 to
return from an approximated position disposed adjacent to anvil
assembly 22 to an unapproximated position spaced from anvil
assembly 22 (as shown).
With continued reference to FIG. 1, body 12 is formed from a pair
of molded half-sections 12a, 12b. In one embodiment, half-sections
12a, 12b are formed of plastic, although half-sections 12a, 12b may
be formed of other materials, including metal. A cutout or window
13 is formed in each of half-sections 12a, 12b. Windows 13 may
include a clear cover (not shown) to prevent debris from entering
body 12. As will be discussed in further detail below, windows 13
are configured to align with an operably positioned indicator
member mounted within body 12.
The internal structure and function of surgical stapler 10 will now
be described to the extent necessary to fully disclose the aspects
of the present disclosure. A more detailed discussion of the
internal structure and function of the surgical stapler is
disclosed U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,508 (the '508 patent), the entire
contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. Although
described with reference to surgical stapler 10, the aspects of
present disclosure may be modified for use with any device having a
multi-stage firing sequence. Also, the term surgical stapling as
used herein includes application of two part fasteners.
Referring now to FIG. 2, surgical stapler 10 includes a pair of
clamp slide members 66a, 66b and a thrust bar 70. Clamp slide
members 66a, 66b and thrust bar 70 are slidably supported between
frame members 28a, 28b of surgical stapler 10 for movement between
retracted and advanced positions in response to movement of trigger
16 through an approximation stroke and a stapling (staple firing)
stroke. As will be discussed in further detail below, thrust bar 70
advances distally during the approximation stroke and advances
further distally during the stapling (staple firing) stroke.
Cartridge assembly 20 is operably supported at a distal end (not
shown) of clamp slide members 66a, 66b such that advancement of
clamp slide members 66a, 66b effects advancement of cartridge
assembly 20. Cartridge assembly 20 is operably connected at a
distal end (not shown) of thrust bar 70 such that advancement
during the stapling stroke effects ejection of staples from
cartridge assembly 20 into contact with anvil pockets on anvil
assembly 20. Thrust bar 70 includes a flange 70a formed in a
proximal end thereof. Flange 70a is configured to be operably
engaged by indicator member 73.
Turning now to FIG. 3, indicator member 73 includes a base 75 and a
pair of extensions or wings 77a, 77b. Base 75 is configured for
operable engagement with flange 70a of thrust bar 70. In one
embodiment, and as shown, base 75 includes an opening or slot 75a
configured to be received about flange 70a. Indicator member 73
may, however, be operably engaged with thrust bar 70 in other
suitable manners, including using adhesives and/or mechanical
fasteners. In another embodiment, indicator member 73 is integrally
formed with thrust bar 70. Extensions 77a, 77b extend radially
outwardly from base 75 and are configured to slide along respective
frame members 28a, 28b during advancement of thrust bar 70.
Extensions 77a, 77b are mirror images of one another with each
including a clamp symbol "C" and a staple symbol on their outer
arcuate surfaces. Symbols "C", "S" may be pictures or icons, as
shown, or may include one or more numbers, one or more letters, one
or more colors, or any combination thereof or other indicia.
Symbols "C", "S" are horizontally aligned on each of extensions
77a, 77b, and as will be discussed below, are located to be viewed
through window 13 formed in each of half sections 12a, 12b.
Although shown including only two symbols, extensions 77a, 77b may
be modified, i.e., lengthened, to include a third, pre-clamped
symbol (not shown).
The operation of surgical stapler 10 and indicator member 73 will
now be described with reference to FIGS. 4-9. Referring initially
to FIGS. 4 and 5, surgical stapler 10 is shown in a first or
pre-clamped (unapproximated) condition. As shown, an alignment pin
38 has been manually advanced using thumb buttons 24; however,
alignment pin 38 may instead be automatically advanced during the
approximation stroke of trigger 16. In the first or pre-clamped
condition, neither indicator member 73 nor either of symbols "C",
"S" formed thereon are visible through window 13 of half sections
12a, 12b. As discussed above, in an alternative embodiment,
extensions 77a, 77b are lengthened and include a third, pre-clamped
symbol which is horizontally aligned with symbols "C", "S" and
would be visible through window 13 when surgical stapler 10 is in a
pre-clamped condition. In another embodiment, symbols "C", "S" are
formed on half-sections 12a, 12b and extensions 77a, 77b include an
arrow (not shown). In this manner, advancement of indicator member
73 causes sequential alignment of the arrow with a respective
symbol "C", "S" during the clamping and stapling operations of
surgical stapler 10.
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate surgical stapling device 10 during the
approximation stroke of trigger 16. As illustrated, trigger 16 is
moved towards stationary handle 14, in the direction indicated by
arrow "A", to advance clamp slides 66a, 66b (FIG. 2) from a
retracted position towards the advanced or approximated position,
as described in detail in the '508 patent. As clamp slides 66a, 66b
are advanced, thrust bar 70 (FIG. 2) is simultaneously advanced. As
discussed above, advancement of thrust bar 70 causes advancement of
indicator member 73. Indicator member 73 and window 13 formed in
each of half sections 12a, 12b are arranged such that upon
completion of the approximation stroke, clamp symbol "C" is
completely visible through window 13. In this manner, a clinician
receives visual indication that the clamping stage is complete and
that surgical stapler 10 is in a clamped condition. If, during the
approximation stroke, the surgical stapler 10 is not fully
approximated, clamp symbol "C" would not be visible or would only
be partially visible through windows 13. Anything less than a
completely visible clamp symbol "C" would visually indicate to the
clinician that surgical stapler 10 is not properly
approximated.
As described in detail in the '508 patent, after the approximation
stroke of trigger 16 is completed, trigger 16 returns to a
non-compressed position upon its release to ready surgical stapler
10 for the stapling stroke. Prior to the stapling stroke, tissue
(not shown) is captured between cartridge assembly 20 and anvil
assembly 22. Alignment pin 38 (FIG. 4) maintains or captures the
tissue between cartridge assembly 20 and anvil assembly 22.
FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate surgical stapler 10 after trigger 16 has
been moved through the stapling stroke, as indicated by arrow "B".
During the stapling stroke, thrust bar 70 (FIG. 2) continues to
distally advance within body 12. As noted above, advancement of
thrust bar 70 causes advancement of indicator member 73. Upon
completion of the stapling stroke, indicator member 73 has advanced
to a position which staple symbol "S" is completely visible through
window 13 of half-sections 12a, 12b. As discussed above with regard
to the approximation stroke, if following the stapling stroke,
staple symbols "S" are not completely visible through windows 13,
the clinician is provided with visual indication that the staples
of surgical stapler 10 have not been properly fired.
With continued reference to FIG. 8, upon completion of the stapling
stroke, release button 150 is depressed and a spring (not shown)
returns thrust bar 70 (FIG. 2) and clamp slide members 66a, 66b
(FIG. 2) proximally to the initial or pre-clamped position. In one
embodiment, and as shown, in the pre-clamped position, indicator
member 73 is not visible through windows 13. In another embodiment,
in the pre-clamped position, a pre-clamped symbol (not shown) is
visible. In either instance, surgical stapler 10 is ready for
reloading and use.
Turning now to FIGS. 10-12, an alternate embodiment of a surgical
stapler in accordance with the present disclosure is shown
generally as surgical stapler 310. Surgical stapler 310 is
substantially similar to surgical stapler 10, and will only be
described as relates to the differences therebetween.
Surgical stapler 310 includes an indicator mechanism 373 configured
to provide visual indication to a user of the current condition of
surgical stapler 310. Indicator mechanism 373 includes a base 375
and a pair of link members 377a, 377b. Base 375 includes a slot
375a configured to be received about flange 370a of thrust bar 370;
however, base 375 may be attached with thrust bar 370 in any
suitable manner, including adhesive and mechanical connections.
Alternatively, indicator mechanism 373 can be integrally formed
with thrust bar 370. Link members 377a, 377b extend proximally from
base 375 and are configured to slide along frame members 328a, 328b
as thrust bar 370 is advanced through an approximation stroke and a
stapling stroke. Link members 377a, 377b may be integrally formed
with base 375, or instead, may be attached thereto in any suitable
manner. Ends of link members 377a, 377b each include toothed
extension or rack 379a, 379b. Toothed extensions 379a, 379b may be
integrally formed with respective link members 377a, 377b, or
instead, may be attached thereto in any suitable manner. As will be
discussed in further detail below, toothed extensions 379a, 379b
are configured to operably engage indicator members 383a, 383b.
With continued reference to FIG. 10, indicator mechanism 373
includes indicator members 383a, 383b operably mounted on a distal
end of frame members 328a, 328b. As shown, indicator members 383a,
383b include pinion members rotatably supported on pinion holders
329a, 329b. In one embodiment, and as shown, pinion holders 329a,
329b are securely mounted to proximal ends of respective frame
members 328a, 328b using rivets; however any suitable fastening
means may be used. In alternate embodiments, pinion holders 329a,
329b are integrally formed with frame members 328a, 328b and may be
positioned in other locations along body 12.
Turning now to FIG. 12, indicator member 383b is shown. Indicator
members 383a, 383b are substantially similar and include an axle
385 defining a longitudinal axis "X" and a toothed gear 387. Axles
385 of indicator members 383a, 383b are perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the thrust bar and are configured such that
indicator members 383a, 383b are rotatably received by respective
pinion holders 329a, 329b. Toothed gears 387 are configured to
engage toothed extensions 379a, 379b formed on link members 377a,
377b, respectively. Each of indicator members 383a, 383b include a
pre-clamp symbol "P" (FIG. 13), a clamp symbol "C" (FIG. 14) and a
staple symbol "S" (FIG. 15). Symbols "P", "C", "S" can be arranged
about indicator member 383b in a clockwise configuration while
symbols "P", "C", "S" arranged about indicator members 383a in a
counter-clockwise configuration. Other symbols or indicia are also
contemplated.
Surgical stapler 310 includes a body 312 including a pair of
windows 313. Windows 313 are configured to align with indicator
members 383a, 383b such that each symbols "P", "C", "S" may be
sequentially viewed during firing of surgical stapler 310. The
mirror image configuration of symbols "P", "C", "S" are such that
the same symbol is viewed in both of windows 13 during use of
surgical stapler 310.
Surgical stapler 310 and indicator mechanism 373 operate in a
substantially similar manner to surgical stapler 10 described
herein above. Prior to an approximation stroke, pre-clamp symbols
"P" of indicator members 383a, 383b are visible through windows
313. During the approximation stroke, thrust bar 370 is advanced
distally causing the advancement of base 375, link members 377a,
377b, and toothed extension 379a, 379b (collectively, rack 377).
Advancement of toothed extensions 379a, 379b cause rotation of
respective indicator members 383a, 383b. Following the
approximation stroke, clamp symbols "C" are visible through windows
313. Release of trigger 16 permits trigger 16 to return to a
non-compressed condition to permit the stapling stroke. During the
stapling stroke, thrust bar 370 is advanced further distally,
thereby causing the advancement of base 375, link members 377a,
377b, and toothed extension 379a, 379b, and the rotation of
respective indicator members 383a, 383b. Following the stapling
stroke, staple symbols "S" on indicator members 383a, 383b are
visible through windows 313. If at any time during the stapling
process surgical stapler 310 is not in desired stage or condition,
one of symbols "P", "C", "S" will not be completely visible through
window 313, thereby providing a clinician with visual indication
that surgical stapler 310 is not in such stage.
It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the
embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the components of the
surgical stapling device can be formed of any material suitable for
surgical use and having the required strength characteristics. The
stapling device could contain two part fasteners. Therefore, the
above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely
as exemplifications of preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the
art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit
of the claims appended hereto.
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